Latest news with #HorticultureandTribalDevelopment
India Gazette
12-07-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
Cannabis cultivation for medicinal, industrial use a boon for farmers, state to frame rules soon: HP Minister Jagat Singh Negi
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 12 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh's Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Saturday underlined the state government's commitment to promoting the legal cultivation of cannabis (hemp) for medicinal and industrial purposes, emphasizing that 'drug-free cannabis can become a sustainable economic option for farmers, not a source of addiction.' Speaking to ANI a day after the seminar and exhibition at the historic Gaiety Theatre in Shimla, Negi said that the misconceptions about narcotics in industrial use need to be ended first. 'Cannabis cultivation carried out for industrial or medicinal purposes is completely free from narcotic substances. It should not be confused with illegal or wild hemp that naturally grows in many regions and contains addictive elements,' he said. 'The government is committed to creating a prosperous, drug-free Himachal. Cannabis grown for medical and industrial use is not for intoxication, it is for healing and industry,' said Negi. The seminar, which focused on the medicinal and industrial use of hemp, showcased dozens of products made from cannabis including food items and pharmaceutical extracts by stakeholders from Himachal and other states. The minister, who inaugurated the event, interacted with industry experts and explored exhibition stalls to understand the range of hemp-based products. 'There is a false perception among people that cannabis is only a narcotic substance. But industrial hemp is completely different. It has no intoxicating effect and is being used worldwide for medicines and eco-friendly products,' he explained. The event featured presentations on the Uganda Cultivation Project, medical hemp business models, and ecological planning of cannabis by leading companies and experts in the field. Notable speakers included Rohit Chauhan (Incare Labs, Kannarma), Dr. Piyush Juneja (Ayurinstinct Healthcare), Hanish Katnawar (Himalayan Hemp Industries), Bhavik Vipul Shah (Think The Himalayan Hemp Corporation), Kanika Sood (India Hemp & Cannabis Network), Dr. Rashmi Punhani, and Anil Kumar (Pi Hemp Pvt Ltd), Siddharth Gupta (Indian Hemp Store), Delzad Dolallywala (Bombay Hemp Company), and government legal advisor Deven Khanna. Negi also recalled that in 2023, the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly had set up a Joint Committee to explore the viability of legal cannabis cultivation in the state. The committee, chaired by him, included legislators Sundar Singh Thakur (then Chief Parliamentary Secretary), Dr Janak Raj, Hans Raj, and Puran Chand. 'We visited several states like Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir to study existing hemp models and assess the legal and economic frameworks,' he said. Based on the committee's recommendation, the Assembly passed a resolution in the Monsoon Session of 2024 to legalize hemp cultivation for medical and industrial purposes. The minister said that rules for its implementation will be framed soon, and the process to grant licenses for medicinal and industrial hemp farming will begin in phases. 'We expect farmers to get good returns per bigha from industrial hemp. It will open avenues in agriculture, health, and green industries,' said Negi, adding that steps are being taken to ensure strict regulation to prevent misuse. He emphasized that only certified, drug-free seeds will be allowed for cultivation, and medicinal cannabis-based products will be separately regulated with licensed processing units. 'The aim is not to promote addiction but to harness the healing and economic potential of hemp for the benefit of our people,' he added. (ANI)
India Gazette
10-07-2025
- Climate
- India Gazette
Himachal Pradesh Minister slams Centre for bias, announces relocation of flood-hit college
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 10 (ANI): Amid ongoing devastation caused by heavy rainfall and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh, the state's Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Wednesday announced the government's decision to shift the flood-affected College of Horticulture and Forestry from Thunag in Mandi district to Sundernagar, citing massive infrastructure damage and safety concerns. Addressing the media, Negi said that keeping in mind the studies and safety of students, the flood-hit college has been relocated to a safer location in Sundernagar in Mandi from Thunag. 'The college in Thunag, which functions under our Horticulture University, was severely impacted by the flash floods on the evening of June 30. Around 300 students study horticulture and forestry there. It's fortunate that most of them were not present on campus that night, as they were staying in PG accommodations or rented homes. Those who were there managed to save their lives by walking to safety.' He said. Negi stated that following an assessment, the university has declared holidays until July 14. 'Examinations and new admissions are also due. We assessed whether classes could resume at the original location, but the infrastructure is severely compromised. Even the buildings are unsafe. So, we decided to shift the college to Sundernagar for now,' he said. He clarified that the relocation was a temporary arrangement. 'We are not merging this college with any other institution, and the college at Chunal will not be shut down either,' he added. Negi also expressed frustration over the college being opened earlier without proper infrastructure. 'There was no hostel except for about seven girl students. Around 95 per cent of the students lived in houses near the nallah, which turned disastrous,' he said. 'We have directed the university to identify a safe and permanent location where classes and hostels can be operated immediately. We want the college to function independently and not as a merged entity,' the minister stressed. Negi has called for legislative action against unplanned construction, he said, with consensus in the upcoming Assembly session, the state would come up with a Law to regulate unscientific construction. The minister admitted that unchecked construction near rivers and streams was a serious problem. 'We often say houses shouldn't be within 100 metres of rivers, but people forget quickly. There's a need for strict laws, and we will bring a proposal in the upcoming Assembly session. If passed unanimously, it will pave the way for enforcement,' he stated. Highlighting the state's plight, Negi alleged that the Union government is discriminating against it in terms of assistance and in post-disaster aid. 'In 2023, damage worth Rs 10,000 crore was assessed in Himachal Pradesh, but we received only Rs 2,006 crore under the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA). Even then, 25 per cent of the amount must be contributed by the state government.' He said. He said the Rs 2,006 crore includes schemes across multiple departments such as PWD, Jal Shakti, Horticulture, Forest, Agriculture, and Animal Husbandry. 'This help came late in 2025, even though the loss occurred in 2023. Now in 2024, we are again facing large-scale destruction. Even BJP's national president and Union ministers from Himachal have seen it,' he said. 'Despite having the national president of the BJP and Union ministers from Himachal Pradesh, why is the Centre discriminating against the state when it comes to assistance?' he said, attacking the BJP. Negi appreciated former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur's decision to join the current Chief Minister in meeting of central leaders. 'Last time we had asked them to join us in Delhi. Now they are willing. That's a good step. Only when pain is felt personally does one understand its gravity,' he said. When asked about Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut's involvement in flood relief, Negi launched a scathing attack. 'We've heard she is unhappy. If she's not happy being an MP, she should resign. Let someone who wants to serve the people take her place,' he said. Negi remarked, 'I think Kangana Ranaut is better suited for Bollywood. There she has everything makeup artists, ready-made setups. But public service demands a different mindset. And I don't think she's willing to change that mindset.' Negi said the impact of the monsoon was still growing. 'The rainfall hasn't stopped. Mandi district has suffered the most, though damage in other districts is also increasing. As of today, 2,004 roads are blocked, including a national highway near Kataula in Mandi,' he said. 'Over 700 water schemes are disrupted. Electricity lines have also taken a hit. Thousands of orchards and farmlands have been washed away. Around 1,300 houses have been reported as partially or completely damaged,' he added. He said a revenue department committee would assess the damage to ensure genuine compensation. 'Often, those with less damage get more relief, while real victims suffer. We will ensure this doesn't happen,' he said. Negi also pointed out that in 2023, Himachal Pradesh was the first state in India to offer Rs 7 lakh as relief for completely damaged houses. 'The Centre only gives Rs 1.2 lakh. Even now, the Centre's contribution under PDNA limits house compensation to Rs 2 lakh. This needs to be revised.' 'The national president of the ruling party and our MP Kangana Ranaut should raise this issue with the Centre. If they can't do that, then there's no point in talking about serving the public,' Negi added. (ANI)
India Gazette
09-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
CM directs to coordinate with J-K Govt. for safe evacuation of Himachali students
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 9 (ANI): Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania met Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday and apprised him about the concerns raised by the parents of Himachali students studying in Jammu & Kashmir, mostly in Srinagar amid the prevailing tension between India and Pakistan. He said that about 103 students were currently pursuing their studies in Jammu and Kashmir, and their families were deeply worried about their well-being and were urged to bring them back home safely, according to a release. The Chief Minister assured that the State Government would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safety and well-being of the Himachali students. He immediately asked the Chief Secretary for prompt and coordinated action to bring the students back home safely. Earlier in the day, the Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jagat Singh Negi, said that the state is fully prepared for internal security and that the current situation along the Indo-China border in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti remains peaceful. Speaking to the media in Shimla, Negi said the state is ready for internal security. 'Himachal Pradesh is ready for internal security.' He added that while the state does not share a direct border with Pakistan, some districts like Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti border China, and currently, there is no tension in those regions. 'Everything is peaceful. We hope it remains peaceful in the future as well,' he said. Negi noted that all small hydro power projects in Kinnaur district have security deployed, and arrangements for their protection have been made. 'We do not have many large dams in Himachal. The only major dam is Bhakra. In Kinnaur, there are several small hydro power projects which naturally require protection,' he said. Pakistan on Thursday night launched a series of coordinated drone and missile attacks along India's western border, targeting regions in Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan. According to Indian defence officials, the attacks were largely intercepted by India's air defence systems, including the S-400 missile defence system, preventing significant damage. This comes after India conducted Operation Sindoor earlier this week, which targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed 26 tourists on April 22. The situation remains volatile, with international calls for restraint and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation. (ANI)
